quality ccw revolver....

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jae011

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looking to buy a revolver for concealment. I like the LCR and the bodyguard. Any thoughts on which is better quality? or any other suggetions on other options?
 
Jae: don't have a bodyguard to compare but looked at one at a gunshow and was not enthused with the dorky looking laser. Went with LCR and am more than happy with it. Added a set of Crimson Trace grips with laser that work extremely well and are easy to adjust. They even offer a set of batteries free each year. The LCR is clean, simple, requires little maint. I'm sure the S&W is equally as good but it just didn't suit me. Handle them both and whichever one feels right is the one to get.
 
LCR has a smoother trigger than S&W. I have LCR357 & .38. 357 is 17oz .38 is 13.5oz. I put on xs sights and really like it. 357 is snappy but manageable, that's what I carry in it. Nice to have options.
 
Actually shoot a variety of S&W, Ruger, and if can old Colts, to see which one you shoot best, buy it, get lessons, and continue quality practice.

No CCW is ever any better than the shooter.

One cannot buy skill and targets.
 
The S&W 638 is a fine CCW gun and a great shooter too. CTC lasers added later . Some say S&W has brought the price down around $375.00. That would be a good price.


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Owned a Taurus 650 CIA. Very good DAO .357 snubby. I sold it to buy a S&W 64 4" as my CCW instead (.38 Special only - I use Buffalo Bore's FBI load). I find that though it's a bit harder to conceal, the much higher accuracy makes that a fine tradeoff - for me.

To split the difference, I intend my next revolver purchase to be a S&W 60 with a 3" barrel.

I bring this up simply to remind you that there are more options out there than the LCR & Bodyguard. Either can be a fine choice but may not be the ultimate choice for you. YMMV & all that.
 
This is one of those Ford or Chevy questions. Most will prefer one brand or the other, and a very few will have no brand preference. I am very happy with the somewhat larger and heavier Ruger SP101. I own several of them. I also own some older S&W revolvers, and did own a Model 649 Bodyguard. The new S&W Bodyguard is going to be just a bit different, and I have no experience with it.

Both S&W and Ruger have good reputation for customer service, should your purchase have issues. If buying a pre-owned weapon, do look at the sticky post at the top of this forum for advice.
 
I prefered the ergos of the LCR. The Hogue grip makes a huge difference imho. Was not a fan of laser activation on the BG, but again that is all preference. I have been 100% pleased with my LCR and find the recoil very managable using +p ammo.
 
Can't go wrong with an original bodyguard, 438 / 638 (SA/DA). LCR has amazing DA trigger but after weeks of research determined Smith higher quality for similar price. New bodyguards aren't much, unless you're into the lightest highest tech, and they open funny, they put the laser on to make up for you paying so much on a cheap revolver. I think Colt new agent's are of similar size with 6rd cap - no experience with em though.
 
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Buy a .357 magnum revolver. Revolvers only give you 5-6 shots and those bullets will have to count in a situation. Many a man lived to say they have been shot 5 times by a 9mm or 38 spl.

If you don't like the 357 recoil buy some 38 spl ++P from doubletap. With the 357 frame you won't have to worry about tweeking your frame.
 
I live just fine with .38+P in a snub. I ain't going to shoot .357 in a 12 or 17 ounce gun, so why spend that much money? Just pick a good .38 snub, you won't like the recoil of .357 and the muzzle flash and, heck, 2" barrels castrate a magnum pretty bad. Just ain't worth the flash, bang, kick in a 2" gun IMHO, at least anything lighter than an SP101.

My own personally .38 snub carry is a Taurus M85SSUL and it's so good, I'm not looking for anything else. I've carried this gun for 15 years now, still a tack driver, still barks on command. :D I will match triggers with any LCR let alone a Smith J frame, and it's never been modified, just straight out of the box.
 
Many a man lived to say they have been shot 5 times by a 9mm or 38 spl

... and their chances of survival will be even higher from a missed shot from a lightweight .357 snub ;)
 
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